Kaizer Chiefs’ secret weapon against Sundowns and it’s NOT Sirino

Gaston Sirino is the name on everyone’s lips, but another kaizer chiefs star is ready to steal the limelight against Sundowns.


Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns do battle at FNB Stadium

Gaston Sirino, a winner of 11 trophies with Sundowns in six years, is now a key Kaizer Chiefs operator. Down the left-hand side of their attack, he’s already got two assists and a goal from his first two games in their colours.

sirino
Kaizer Chiefs new signing Gaston Sirino donning jersey number 10 Image via @KaizerChiefs on WhatsApp

Shabalala is ready to become a creative leader

20-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala has been part of the furniture at Naturena for some time now. There have been ups and downs, a natural occurrence for any young player finding his way in the game, but 2024-2025 feels like his true breakout season. The 20-year-old scored on the opening day against Gallants and has started both league games in the fabled number 10 role this term. ‘Mdu’ and Sirino should cause plenty of problems for the Sundowns defence on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs star
Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Weekend preview

After two wins from two and an impressive 100% start to the campaign, Amakhosi face the sternest test of them all. The Betway Premiership champions Sundowns roll into Soweto to face Chiefs on Saturday 28 September. Kickoff is at 15:00 in this crunch clash. Elsewhere on the same day, Cape Town City welcomes SuperSport and Gallants host AmaZulu. On Sunday, Orlando Pirates travel to Richards Bay and Stellenbosch has an away clash against Polokwane City.


Chiefs vs Downs match facts

You have to go back to April 2021 for Chiefs’ last win over the South African champions in any competition. Ironically, Uruguayan Gaston Sirino was a goal-scorer for Downs on that afternoon. How he’d love to get on the score sheet against his former employers this time. 33-year-old Sirino scooped 11 trophies with Sundowns in his years at the club.

Downs are unbeaten in each of the last eight H2Hs across all competitions.

The sides lock horns at FNB Stadium on Saturday 28 September with kickoff at 15:00.

Kaizer Chiefs Coach
Kaizer Chiefs fans encapsulating the passion of a Soweto Derby. Image: BackpagePix

What’s your ideal starting XI to face Sundowns, Amakhosi fans? Is Mdu the man for the big occasion?

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